Water, water, everywhere!

When a town has ‘lake’ in its name, it better give off an awesome paddling vibe. Saranac Lake doesn’t disappoint.

To help you get on the water when the paddling season unofficially kicks off, several outfitters and organizations in the Saranac Lake region have teamed up to offer a variety of paddling-related activities and events. Celebrate Paddling ADK is a festival that was started in 2016 through a partnership between Adirondack Lakes and Trails, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, and Northern Forest Canoe Trail.  The goal was to provide a month-long event that featured lectures and historical discussions at local establishments, a river cleanup, and paddling activities on nearby waters. In 2018, the event grew even larger through the efforts of new partners, including Mac's Canoe Livery and Raquette River Outfitters, and now includes Guide ADK, and other local partners. Celebrate Paddling events in the Adirondacks will also be held in Tupper Lake and Long Lake, courtesy of Raquette River Outfitters, and for the first time this year, the events expand throughout the season!

Saranac Lake, and much of the Adirondacks, has "right out your backdoor" paddling abundance. You can begin and end your day on the water right from downtown. Lake Flower is the show piece in the middle of town, and connects to the Saranac Chain. It is a daily reminder how connected you are to the water. 

For a taste of what Celebrate Paddling ADK typically entails, check out the lineup.

This year, Celebrate Paddling is bigger and better than ever! Please check back regularly as events and activities are subject to change. The Celebrate Paddling ADK website is also updated with the most current events.
 

2026 Schedule of Events, More To Come!

May 2026

May 2: River Reels Film Festival to benefit the Tom Boothe River Park

May 9: 'Round the Mountain Race
TBD: Solo Canoe Fundamentals
 
June 2026: More Coming Soon!
 
July 2026: More Coming Soon!
July 5: Willard Hanmer Guideboat and Canoe Races